Watazu: Amplifying Palarong Pambansa 2025 with “Laban Na May Puso”

Watazu steps into the spotlight when tapped by the Department of Education Dancesport Association Of The Philippines – as the official Disk Jockey (DJ) of the Dancesport Event of the 2025 Palarong Pambansa. Their original track, ‘Laban Na May Puso’ ©, infuses each routine with energy and showcases the unity of Filipino athletes on the dance floor. The song has rapidly gained traction online, becoming the anthem for the competition’s most anticipated segment. Audiences and competitors alike are already moving to its infectious rhythm in arenas and social feeds alike.

Watazu’s PalaroNG PAMBANSA Debut

Watazu is a Philippines-based music producer and songwriter known for blending traditional rhythms with modern electronic and Latin dance influences. ‘Laban Na May Puso’ marks Watazu’s debut in the Palarong Pambansa series, highlighting their growing presence in national sports and cultural events. By pairing athletic spirit with compelling melodies, Watazu aims to bridge sports and performing arts across the archipelago. This marks Watazu’s first collaboration with the national games, cementing their role in bridging athletic spectacle and performing arts on a national event.

‘Laban Na May Puso’: The Official Dancesport Theme Song

‘Laban Na May Puso’ was released on May 5, 2025 as a standalone single, clocking in at 3 minutes and 33 seconds following a 130bpm. It was vocal recorded by JeXica, composed and produced by Watazu together with executive production by Jeff Klein, featuring a dynamic fusion of Samba, Chachacha, and modern pop elements tailored for Dancesport routines.

The track premiered on TikTok, where it garnered over 962,000 views within days of release, with fans using #LabanNaMayPuso to share their own choreography and challenges.

Lyrical Theme and Inspiration

The lyrics celebrate perseverance, unity, and national pride, inviting participants to “tayo’y sumayaw, apoy ng tagumpay” and to approach competition with both passion and heart. The Tagalog verses weave imagery of collective victory and personal sacrifice, reflecting the core values of the Palarong Pambansa movement. By drawing on familiar Filipino motifs and rallying cries, ‘Laban Na May Puso’ resonates with both athletes and audience members, creating a shared soundtrack for triumph.

Did you know:

The song is supposedly a surprise gift for the Dancesport Association of the Philippines for their parade presentation. With combine efforts executed and initiated by Anthony Plamio - Dance Results Philippines, it was proposed then agreed upon by the organization to add it to the unity dance.

Social Media Buzz and Dance Challenge

Following the song’s release, a viral dance challenge swept through TikTok and other social platforms. Coaches, teachers, and students from participating regions posted their routines using the official choreography, pushing the #LabanNaMayPuso hashtag to trend nationwide. Videos from DepEd-affiliated dance groups and cultural troupes have added local flair, showcasing traditional steps alongside modern dance moves.

Join the Movement

Whether you’re an athlete preparing for competition, a dance enthusiast, or simply a fan of upbeat music, now is the time to experience ‘Laban Na May Puso’. Browse the official playlist on Spotify, Apple Music, or tune into the live stream of the Dancesport finals to feel the pulse of Palarong Pambansa 2025. Tag your own dance video with #LabanNaMayPuso to become part of the celebration and connect with thousands of fellow Filipinos rallying behind their champions.

Written by Watazu